GSAT-7 Satellite Placed in Geosynchronous Orbit
India’s advanced multi-band communication satellite GSAT-7, launched from
Kourou, French Guiana in the early hours of August 30, 2013, has been
successfully placed in the Geosynchronous Orbit with an altitude of about
36,000 km above Earth’s surface yesterday (September 3, 2013) morning, after
successfully completing the last of the three orbit-raising manoeuvres
commanded from ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan.
Later in the day, the communication antennae of GSAT-7, including the UHF
Helix antenna, were deployed successfully. Following this, GSAT-7 was put
in its final orbital configuration, stabilised on its three-axis by the
momentum wheels.
The GSAT-7 Satellite would reach its assigned orbital slot of 74 degree
East longitude in the Geostationary Orbit within the next 10 days. On
September 14, 2013, the communication transponders in UHF, S, C and Ku
bands are planned to be switched on.
Based on current availability of hardware and components, the GSLV Vehicle
assembly and checkout is expected to be completed at the Vehicle Assembly
Building by the first week of December 2013 and the launch could take
place by December 2013.
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ST/-